Tools and Materials Needed:
- New automatic transmission fluid (Dexron III)
- New transmission filter
- Transmission pan gasket
- Oil drain pan
- Funnel
- Ratchet and socket set
- Screwdriver
- Pliers
Steps:
1. Park the car on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Allow the engine to cool down completely.
2. Locate the transmission pan. It is located on the bottom of the transmission housing, and is usually held in place by several bolts.
3. Place the oil drain pan under the transmission pan. Make sure the pan is large enough to catch all of the fluid that will drain out.
4. Loosen the bolts that hold the transmission pan in place. Be careful not to drop the bolts into the oil drain pan.
5. Remove the transmission pan and drain the old fluid. Allow all of the fluid to drain out.
6. Clean the transmission pan and gasket. Remove any old gasket material from the pan and gasket surface.
7. Replace the transmission pan gasket. Apply a thin bead of gasket maker to the gasket surface of the transmission pan. Place the new gasket in position and press it into place.
8. Reinstall the transmission pan. Replace the bolts that hold the pan in place. Tighten the bolts until they are snug.
9. Locate the transmission filter. It is usually located inside the transmission pan, or in the transmission housing near the pan.
10. Remove the old transmission filter. If the filter is located in the transmission pan, simply pull it out. If the filter is located in the transmission housing, you will need to use a screwdriver to pry it out.
11. Install the new transmission filter. If the filter is located in the transmission pan, simply insert it into the pan. If the filter is located in the transmission housing, you will need to use a screwdriver to pry it into place.
12. Add new automatic transmission fluid. Use a funnel to add the new fluid to the transmission.
13. Start the engine and allow it to run for a few minutes. This will circulate the new fluid throughout the transmission.
14. Check the transmission fluid level. The fluid level should be between the "Full" and "Add" marks on the transmission fluid dipstick. If necessary, add more fluid.
15. Test drive the car. Make sure the transmission is shifting smoothly.
Note: The transmission fluid should be changed every 60,000 miles or 3 years, whichever comes first.
